Hello there!
In this blog post, I'll be sharing the design process and thoughts I've gone through to arrive at the outcome —Musical Clock.
Step 01:
Deconstruct To Construct
Getting started with the project, understanding how an alarm clock works before putting things together to compose one is of utmost importance. After deconstructing, the core parts are kept to be used for the tryouts.
Step 02:
When you try your best, but you don't succeed...🎶
The 3rd variation was a proposal to change the way we set an alarm and the idea appealed to me. However, the unfolded paper clip did not hold itself well. Both of the next two variations made use of the holes for the screws to be fitted in.
Step 03:
Maybe a change of materials will lead me to a...
As the prefabricated holes of the metal parts limit the timing to be set, I had a breakthrough when I applied the use of pins on a corkboard, which has provided the same flexibility of setting an alarm as a conventional alarm clock. When the conductive hour hand overlaps with the metal-plated pin, the circuit is closed to cause the buzzer to sound.
Step 04:
Knowing What Are The Issues To Be Resolved
The corkboard that was used was unable to hold the module in place. Wires were exposed in an unpleasant way and the batteries used were too bulky. Overall, the composed structure is too unstable and unappealing.
Step 05:
I think I am almost there...?
The composition here uses pins as the indicator of numbers as well as to hold the two cork boards together. Given its original function, the book stand is used as the base. The other half of the book stand is used as a part of the body to conceal the module while still exposing the important parts like the dial and battery holder. The buzzer is placed directly below the cork boards as a form of support and buzzes when the hour hand touched the metal-plated pin.
Step 06:
Gotta Test It Out!!!
Nysha (@cloudsalad) was given all the materials, tools and the "secret recipe" to create the composition all by herself.
Left: When Nysha managed to make a close circuit for the buzzer to sound!!🥳
Right: Nysha and the final outcome after 1.5h of fun-filled t̶o̶r̶t̶u̶r̶e̶ testing!!🥴✨
From this testing, we have also realised that the ringing would typically last for 10 minutes. As users are not able to remove the pin when the circuit is closed, there is a need to pivot the use.
Step 07:
Ta-da!
Click here to view the final outcome